Respiratory disorders in stainless steel workers.
The study involved 106 workers exposed to stainless steel dust (47 stainless steel welders, 59 stainless steel handling workers) and 80 controls. Respiratory impairment was evaluated by means of a standardised questionnaire, clinical examination and lung function tests (spirometry, forced expiratory flow). Dyspnoea was encountered more frequently among exposed workers but there was no greater prevalence of chronic bronchitis compared to the control group. Lung function tests (FEV1, PEF, FEF75, FEF50, FEF25) were significantly lower in the exposed group. Smoking did not contribute essentially to these changes. The results confirm that stainless steel dust is an important cause of the development of respiratory obstructive disorders in the industrial working population.
Bogadi-Sare
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Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, University of Zagreb.
D000328:Adult; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects; D001991:Bronchitis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004391:Dust / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation; D013193:Stainless Steel
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D004391:Dust; D013193:Stainless Steel